Description:
Processes in our continuously evolving Earth have given rise to the formation
of an internally-layered planet with continents, oceans and an atmosphere.
This continuing activity is manifested by the destructive powers of such
phenomena as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, mountain building,
and plate motion. Starting with the formation of our Universe and evolution
of stars like our Sun, the goal of this course is to present an integrated
approach to Earth's unique characteristics, and explain her physical principles
using conceptual and factual material. In addition to animations and classroom
demonstrations, specifically designed WWW-based material will be used.
Two lectures/week; two midterms and final exam. No special background required.

Prerequisites & Distribution:
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 117,
119, or 146 (or 270). No credit granted to those who have completed both
GS 105 and 107. Those with credit for one of GS 105 and 107 may only elect
GS 205 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).
Note: this course has significant overlap with GS171 (U110, Global
Change-I)and should not be taken concurrently.
Credits: (2).

ExamsThe exam pages are ordered by ID, with the first three digits removed.
The grade distribution is show as histogram and cumulative curve.
Exam 1: 25% exam grade. Click HERE
to see scoresExam 2: 25% exam grade. Click HERE
to see scoresFinal exam: 50% exam grade. Click HERE
to see final grade or cumulative results thus far.HomeworkHow and when of homework assignments will be
announced in class and by email, followed by update on the Web (see "Due"
below)

Homework scores are added to the exam scores to reach the final score.

Topography
exercise. Read the description of topographylab.htm.
Use (User name) "buildearth" and (Password) "test" to access this protected
site (omit quotation marks).
Hand-in
1. Print-out of histogram from step 6 (histogram of topographic profile).
Briefly answer these questions:
2. Why is the density of points greatest at the equator in Figure
4 of the exercise? (Remember that this is supposed to be a random distribution
of points on the surface of the Earth).
3. A histogram of the Earth's elevations has two large peaks.
What is the significance of these peaks? What regions correspond to the
two peaks?
Cannot find "Histogram" function in Excel? Go to "Tools",
click "Add-Ins", select "Analysis ToolPak". This will load a host
of analysis tools, which will now be visible when you select "Data Analysis"
on the "Tools" menu. You will find "Histogram" as one of several
options. You may need to reinstall these tools each time you use
a campus-site computer, as this is not (yet) part of the Excel default
settings.Due:

IV. Distribution
of Volcanoes and Earthquakes. Read the description of the exercise
and hand in the answer to the two questions. Use (User name) "buildearth"
and (Password) "test" to access this protected site (omit quotation marks).
Due: